Therapy dogs bring relief to flood-affected Manitobans

The Red Cross, St. Johns Ambulance, charities travelling across Manitoba to bring relief to flood victims

Therapy dog Trooper visited Deloraine, Man. Tuesday, along with the Red Cross and representatives from the Manitoba Government to help relieve area-residents affected by the flood. (Jill Coubrough/CBC)

A few local charities are travelling across the province to bring relief to flood victims.

The Red Cross, St. Johns Ambulance and Manitoba's Emergency Measures Organization teamed up in Deloraine, Man. Tuesday to offer up the furry services of therapy dogs to flood-affected area residents.

People were able to file claims for disaster financial assistance, pick up cleanup kits and even spend time with two therapy dogs to relieve flood stress.

"There might be people that just need to get their mind off of all the bad things going on with the flood," said Helen Hall, a therapy dog owner. "Maybe it’s just nice they can sit down and pet the dog and talk to them – it's amazing how many people can open up to a pet and not a human."

The team and the dogs will be in Brandon Wednesday and Pierson, Man. on Friday.